The 15^th of Eleventhmonth marked the beginning of the separation of tithes of fruit (Talmud, Masëkët Rosh ha-Shânâh 1.1). This date was chosen because most of the annual rain in Eretz Yisra·eil falls before 15^th of Eleventhmonth (Masëkët Rosh ha-Shânâh 14a, Talmud Yᵊrushalmi, Masëkët Rosh ha-Shânâh 1.2, 57a). Consequently the fruit of the trees that blossom after the 15^th of Eleventhmonth are considered to belong to another year for the levying of tithes and for the prohibitions of arlah (see: wa-Yiqra 19.23-25).

This is of particular importance during the Shᵊmitâh year. Torâh forbids eating fruit from Israeli trees that blossom after tu lᵊ-a·sᵊ·tei′ -â·sâr′  khodësh during the Shᵊmitâh year.

There is no tradition of celebrating T"u bi-Shᵊ·vat among the Tei•mân•im′. Except in Shᵊmitâh years, schools and organizations commemorate T"u bi-Shᵊ·vat with tree-planting ceremonies throughout Israel.

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